SIA launches new community for veterans in security

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the launch of the SIA Veterans in Security Forum, an all-new community focused on the issues and concerns of veterans and active military members who are in, or are interested in joining, the security industry.

SIA has appointed Jeff Huggins of ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions as chair of the new group.

The SIA Veterans in Security Forum is the newest SIA community and will focus on providing resources, programs, and events for both veterans – as well as Guard and Reserve members – who work in the sector and actively serving military members who are planning their transition to the civilian world. Membership in the community is open to veterans, members of the Armed Forces and supporters both with and without direct military affiliations.

Huggins is the vice president for government programs and national accounts at ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions and is a retired U.S. Marine Corps gunnery sergeant. He serves as a member of the USO of North Carolina Advisory Board and as a member of the Carolinas Freedom Foundation Board of Directors.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the SIA Veterans in Security Forum,” Huggins said. “The security industry offers outstanding opportunities for veterans to continue to serve in a protective capacity, and people with military experience bring vital skills and commitment to their community to the sector. We have ambitious plans for this new group, and I’m excited to get started.”

SIA CEO Don Erickson lauded Huggins’s commitment to serving veterans and the security industry. 

“Jeff inspires our membership community with his sincere commitment to our nation’s service members and support for SIA’s mission,” Erickson stated. “As an active SIA member, Jeff recognizes the potential high impact of the association to connect our nation’s heroes with compelling and rewarding career opportunities in our industry. We greatly appreciate Jeff’s willingness to share his passion for the military community and the industry through this important SIA leadership role. We are fortunate to have Jeff’s vision guide the future of this new community within SIA.”

The SIA Veterans in Security Forum will hold a kickoff reception at Tom’s Watch Bar in Washington, D.C., on May 20 (the night before the 2024 SIA GovSummit conference). The event will feature special guest speakers and will include complimentary food and drinks and free use of the establishment’s Topgolf Swing Suites. Attendance is free and open to all who are interested in supporting the group’s mission. No current or prior military service is required. RSVP here.